19-year-old dies in Kanan Road crash

ANIMAL LOVER—Christopher Myers with one of the many furry friends he cared for while volunteering at L.I.F.E. Animal Rescue in Agoura Hills. A friend recalls his precocious demeanor and witty ways. Funny with friends but serious about his commitment to caring for animals, 19-year-old Christopher Myers of Oak Park was a college honor student whose bright future seemed all but assured.

On Feb. 16, Myers’ car ran off Kanan Road south of Latigo Canyon and crashed into a ravine about 100 feet below. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

No official cause of the fatal crash was given. It was followed by a two-acre brush fire that firefi ghters quickly contained. The burned car and body were found near a trail that runs parallel to Santa Monica Montains national parkland, said Leland Tang, spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol.

Myers is the son of Chris Myers, former ESPN sportscaster and current host for FOX Sports. Myers, who covers NASCAR racing as well as play-by-play for the NFL on FOX and other professional sports events, is missing coverage of the season opening Daytona 500 to be with his family, the network said.

Christopher Dakota Myers— who lived at home with his parents, Chris and Susan, and 17-year-old brother Alex—graduated from Oak Park High School in 2010 and was in his second year at Moorpark Junior College with an eye toward attending a four-year university.

“ He was cut short at his prime,” said family friend Beth Pattee. “He was doing so well. It’s a horrific, tragic loss and there are no words.”

In high school, Myers was active with the theater department. Following in his father’s footsteps, he was an ardent sports fan and loved to follow the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL.

For the past three years he had been active as a volunteer with L.I.F.E. Animal Rescue in Agoura Hills, frequently taking dogs for walks and performing other services.

“Christopher had an incredibly warm heart and kind spirit,” Pattee said. “He was precious and funny. He loved people and loved his sports.”

The family enjoyed outings together, whether at the local ball field or at the beach.

“They were just inseparable as a family,” the friend said.

“Our family is truly grateful for the outpouring of love for Christopher, from our neighborhood to across the country. We will do our best to carry his spirit forward,” Chris and Susan Myers said in a statement.

“The family is too overwhelmed at this moment to share their grief in a public funeral. When they are ready, a private memorial service will be held for the family,” Pattee said.

People who would like to express condolences are asked to consider making a contribution to the L.I.F.E. Animal Rescue in Christopher Myers’ memory (www.lifeanimalrescue.com).

“Every animal that is helped will be a reflection of the light and compassion Christopher brought into our world,” Pattee said.